TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Security Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$201,691/yr
Typical range: $169,421 – $267,925
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Security Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $144,877 | $12,073 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $178,965 | $14,914 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $201,691 | $16,808 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $233,507 | $19,459 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $315,320 | $26,277 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $395,428 | $32,952 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $415,455 | $34,621 | +187% |
Current Salary
$201,691
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $97/hr
Next Level Target
$233,507
Senior · 6
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Security Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Security Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $202K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Security Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $202K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $97/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Security Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $268K–$329K/yr.